06/09/2026
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing Approves Municipal Requirements for Commercial Data Centers to Enhance Digital Infrastructure Readiness
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved the Municipal Requirements for Commercial Data Centers, in a step aimed at enhancing the readiness of the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure, establishing a clearer regulatory environment for the growth of this vital sector, and streamlining the investor journey for establishing, developing, and operating data centers in accordance with unified and clear requirements.
The requirements stem from the vital role that data centers play in the digital economy, as they represent one of the fundamental pillars on which the government and private sectors rely to manage, process, and store data, support the continuity of digital services and business efficiency, and strengthen the Kingdom’s capacity to sustain its digital growth.
The requirements apply to independent commercial data center sites within or outside the urban boundary, provided they are easily accessible to operation and maintenance teams and have access to essential services, including electricity, telecommunications, and transport. They must also comply with approved building regulations and requirements related to parking, setbacks, heights, landscaping, and any regulatory requirements issued by the relevant entities.
The requirements provide greater clarity for investors and reduce inconsistencies in the procedures and requirements for establishing and operating data centers. They establish a regulatory framework that defines spatial, technical, and operational requirements and supports the standardization of procedures and requirements governing the activity across the Kingdom.
Licensing requirements include obtaining Civil Defense approval before the license is issued, submitting a valid commercial registration covering the activity or activities for which licensing is requested, and obtaining approval from the entity supervising the activity. Procedures for issuing, renewing, amending, suspending, and cancelling the license are subject to the Municipal Licensing Procedures Law and its Implementing Regulations.
The requirements mandate that commercial data centers comply with the Saudi Building Code and that design and construction supervision be undertaken by accredited engineering offices. They must also follow relevant international and local standards, including requirements for construction, design, fire protection, cooling systems, electrical power, and backup systems, thereby enhancing the quality, reliability, and operational continuity of these facilities.
The requirements also cover facades and general appearance, lighting, flooring, ceilings, universal access for persons with disabilities, periodic maintenance, waste management, and security surveillance systems. They also require displaying the Unified Electronic Code, which provides access to the facility’s regulatory data and documents.
The Ministry affirmed that approving the requirements represents a regulatory step that supports the growth of the data center sector by providing a more reliable and sustainable environment, stimulating investment and innovation in information technology, and enabling digital infrastructure to keep pace with the expansion of digital services. These efforts enhance the Kingdom’s regional and international competitiveness and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The Ministry noted that the requirements take effect from the date of their publication.
The Ministry invited investors and relevant stakeholders to review the Municipal Requirements for Commercial Data Centers and comply with the approved regulatory, technical, and operational requirements through the following link:
https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2026-06/alashtratat%20albldyt%20lmrakz%20albyanat%20altjaryt%20%2B%20qrar%20ala%60tmad_0.pdf
